Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011	Jan. 02, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 158,020	$ 154,684	$ 98,679
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) net of tax:
Pension and Post Retirement benefits, net of tax effects of $4,131 in 2011, $1,616 in 2010 and $1,717 in 2009	(6,740)	(2,637)	(2,802)
Currency translation adjustments	(43,674)	29,383	17,531
Change in fair value of hedging activities, net of tax effects of $(27,405) in 2011, $11,045 in 2010 and $18,844 in 2009	(44,666)	18,022	30,738
Hedging Activities Reclassified into Earnings from Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax effects of $(5,458) in 2011, $1,976 in 2010 and $30,455 in 2009	(8,905)	3,222	49,792
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(103,985)	47,990	95,259
Comprehensive Income	54,035	202,674	193,938
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	5,266	6,398	5,058
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Regal Beloit Corporation	$ 48,769	$ 196,276	$ 188,880

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